Compal chairman expects ultrathin notebooks will take off in 2010

Compal chairman Rock Hsu said he expected Intel-based ultra-thin notebooks will account for 10 percent of notebooks this year. Hsu believes this market will have a better chance of taking off in 2010.

With Compal's notebook shipments for the first half the year already reaching 14 million units, Hsu is confident that the company will be able to meet its annual shipment guidance of 32 million units, accounting for 22% of global notebook shipments.

Hsu believes the worst part of the economic downturn has already passed and consumer demand will start to recover.

Hsu expects panel shortages to improve in August, while supply of other notebook components is already back on track.